Change Comes From Within

There are no words for all of the hurting that is going on in our country and around the world. The more things change, the more things stay the same.

I am not here to make a political, racial, religious or other polarizing statement. I am here here as a human being, hoping that one day the world will not be so angry, hurt and broken.

In the meantime, let’s do one thing today. Let’s put some good into this world. Give each other grace, forgiveness, and understand that people and things that vex you may not be personally “out to get you.” Let’s make that change.

Stop distrusting the intentions of others. Understand that no one will have the same exact values as you – not your spouse, your best friend, you sibling, or your parents. The human experience is so painfully unique that NO ONE WILL ABSOLUTELY UNDERSTAND where you are coming from.

Keep this in mind when you feel taken advantage of by clients, suppliers, friends, neighbors, or people walking in the street. It is the old adage, put yourself in the other person’s shoes.

I think if we stop jumping to “this person is slighting me” or “this person is out to make my life miserable” we can do our parts to reduce the negativity in the world.

Even just a touch.

It may not solve the world’s problems. It will not stop the hate. It will not stop the fear.

But what it WILL stop is the anguish in yourself.

Today, take the time to acknowledge when you have negative thoughts against others. Stop yourself, and think for a moment:

“How can I stop feeling this way? What other perspective should I take to stop feeling so negative?”

You can still acknowledge the failings in others, you don’t have to be a doormat.

But you can create an environment where you remove the negativity.

This may fall on deaf ears. This may insult others. All I know is that negativity starts internally. And it lives within all of us. Respect your emotions, recognize their presence, and actively and constructively work through them.

You all bring beauty into this world, in one form or another. Take the time today to highlight the beauty and positvity in this world.

It is bigger than you and me, but change STARTS with you and me.

If we could change ourselves, the tendencies of the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. … We need not wait to see what others do. – Ghandi

Jen Rudd

Jen Rudd, PMP is a consultant for Mom Owned Businesses and works from home while raising her two children with her husband in Massachusetts. While she doesn't think she has it figured all out, she does know that the only way out is through.